Update on farm payments

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has confirmed the next round of payments to farmers will start in the next few days.

Payments have already been made to 3,500 farmers and further payment runs to thousands more will start in the next few days. Mr Lochhead has also re-iterated that in the face of implementing a very complex and difficult CAP reform agreed with industry, the Scottish Government still aims to make first payments to the majority of farmers by the end of the month.

Mr Lochhead said:

"I know that farmers and crofters around the country are keen to have information on when they can expect their subsidy payment, and I have set out the position today to the NFUS.

"The Scottish Government has already made payments to 3,500 applicants and further payment runs to thousands more of our hard-working producers are starting in the next few days. The first of those payment runs will be to around 1,000 farmers and crofters tomorrow meaning that they should receive their payment in the coming days, as will many more by the end of the month.

"Officials are continuing to work flat-out to ensure payments are made as quickly as possible. We are still aiming to pay the majority of farmers and crofters by the end of January, and to do all we can to avoid or minimise any delays to other payment schemes.

"I am committed to giving the industry another update by the end of this month and, in the meantime, anyone who is concerned about their own payment can contact our customer helpline on 0300 300 2222."